Christmas is here, and as we all know, that means trying to find gifts for family and friends. If you are looking for gift ideas that are different, fun, and meaningful - then I have the perfect solution for you. My friend Matthew Toone just published a book entitled: "Great Games! 175 Games & Activities for Families, Groups, & Children." This book is literally full of fun game and activity ideas for people of all ages, groups of all sizes, and there are games for any category or setting. You can check it out at: www.GreatGamesBook.com

Three lucky people, however, will get a free copy of 'Great Games.' In order to be entered into the contest to win a free copy, simply email either Kim or LaDonna a one paragraph response about a time where you played games with your family or friends and it created a fun memory, strengthened relationships, or simply brought your family closer together. The deadline to send your story in is Dec 15th. If your story is chosen, you will win a free copy of 'Great Games' www.GreatGamesBook.com

Great Games: 175 Games and Activities for Families, Groups and Children by Matthew Toone

This book was a walk down memory lane for me. As I flipped through the pages of games I recognized many games my father taught my brothers and I to play. These games are ones that he and his siblings would play when they were young.

I love that these games require few materials; these are games that you can just grab a pen and paper or some dice or a few coins or a deck of cards. These are games that you can play any where, almost any time. The games have simple rules, straight forward instructions and require common household items. I am amazed at the diversity I saw - games for 2 or 3 people, large numbers, word games, acting games, indoor, outdoor, all seasons, sitting, running. I saw games for everyone. I can see so many uses for this book in our life!

Although we are not a "games family" we are trying to institute a family games night each week. We are slowly adding board and card games to our arsenal; This book is a great addition to our household.

Another idea I have in mind for this book is to take it for use when we volunteer at the seniors' home. The games are simple enough that my children could play (and teach) them to the grandmas and grandpas.

The book can be purchased from Amazon.com.

Thanks to the author, Matthew Toone, for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Before kids, my husband and I were regular game players. We often centered get togethers with other couples around playing games. Three kids later, we don't drag games out near as often as we like, but we are working on it. The Great Games Book has given us a new option in our game arsenal.

One of the main reasons I liked this book was because of the variety. There are a ton of games in this book. There are books fit almost any group size and age level. My husband found games in this book that he plans on using in his work meetings, there are games that we have been able to play with my 3 kids (ages 1-6), and there are games that my husband and I could play alone. I don't know of any games of game books that can fit such a wide range of groups.

The book itself has a great layout. The table of contents breaks the book down in to a vareity of catagories. This makes it very easy to find games that fit your group size or game goals. The games themselves have clear and easy directions. Each game starts out by telling you how many players are needed and what objects are needed.

My family has defintely enjoyed reviewing this book. Our only complaint is figuring out which game to play! This book was provided for review